Last updated: September 29, 2026, 2:14 PM ET
Premier League: Man City Verdict
Manchester City have been found guilty on all 115 Premier League charges over financial breaches, a landmark verdict that sent shockwaves through the sport. The club were reportedly first informed of the guilty verdicts back in the summer, meaning they conducted their summer transfer business knowing the outcome. Despite the scale of the punishment, City chief executive Ferran Soriano has issued a defiant message to the club's critics, insisting the legal battle with the Premier League is far from over. Soriano has reportedly told his fellow executives that the fight could take years to conclude, as the club prepares to challenge the verdict through every available legal avenue. ESPN's explainer breaks down the 115 charges and what the verdict means for the Premier League champions Premier League: Reaction
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said no punishment can repair the severe damage done to the integrity of English football, even as the football world digests the verdict. Sky Sports provided live reaction as the news broke, with pundits and former players weighing in on what sanctions might follow. The verdict also raises immediate questions about the future of City's star players, with transfer rumors linking Erling Haaland to Real Madrid and Barcelona amid the uncertainty, while Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both competing to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Maza.
Premier League: El Clásico & Team News
Injured stars Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté and Federico Valverde are all expected to be available for El Clásico, giving both Real Madrid and Barcelona a major boost ahead of the showdown. Manchester United have recalled Patrick Dorgu for assessment after a hamstring injury, while Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard missed Norway training following an "ugly" tackle from Wolves' Nelson Silva. Liverpool are maintaining contact with the representatives of Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, according to reports.
International Football
Northern Ireland were left frustrated by a goalless draw with Hungary in the Nations League, failing to break down a stubborn visitor defence. The Czech Republic are preparing for a return to Wembley 30 years after their run to the Euro '96 final, with the squad keen to recreate that famous night. Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour has opened up on the "heartache" of missing out on this summer's World Cup, but says the pain has turned to hope ahead of the next qualifying cycle. Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson says his squad are "all uncomfortable" ahead of their Israel Nations League tie, as he prepares for a hostile atmosphere.
International Football: Italy & England
Pio Esposito and his older brother Sebastiano made history for Italy, becoming the first siblings to start for the Azzurri together since 1915 in the rout of Türkiye. Uncapped midfielder Lexi Potter is the talk of English football after earning her first senior call-up following a standout season at Chelsea. Zinedine Zidane was spotted going wild in the stands over Michael Olise's wonder goal in France's late victory, with the legendary playmaker saying he wanted to be part of it.
MLS & NWSL
The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Thomas Müller to a Designated Player contract through 2027, a stunning coup for the Canadian side. Despite losing three star youngsters to international duty, the Philadelphia Union continue to surge in the MLS Power Rankings, with Cavan Sullivan's absence proving no problem for the in-form side. In the NWSL, Angel City's win over Washington has them rising up the rankings ahead of a blockbuster meeting with No. 1 Gotham FC. Atlanta City FC will be the name of Atlanta's forthcoming NWSL expansion club, which unveiled its new colors of Georgia peach and red.
Premier League: Academy & Young Talent
The battle for Premier League academy talent has intensified after JJ Gabriel's Manchester United exit, with clubs calling the pursuit a "nightmare" as they fight to secure the best young players. Despite the hype, ESPN argues Cavan Sullivan is not overhyped and is genuinely the best prospect the USMNT has ever produced. Aston Villa's summer signing Johan Manzambi has been nominated for a prestigious award after becoming one of Europe's best young talents in just two years.
Cricket & Formula 1
Jos Buttler believes Brendon McCullum can go "all in" on the Cricket World Cup without the distraction of the Test role, as England prepare for the tournament. Fernando Alonso will race on in Formula 1 with Aston Martin after extending his contract through 2027, with teammate Lance Stroll also committing to the team.
Boxing & Tennis
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's blockbuster fight is back on track after the press conference was confirmed following a resolution of the issues that had threatened to derail it. Novak Djokovic says he is feeling good ahead of his China Open return, just weeks after his shock US Open exit. Tim Henman has called for changes to the tennis calendar, saying the 12-day Masters 1000 is too much tennis for players.
NFL, FIFA & More
Case Keenum rolled back the years with two touchdown passes in his first NFL start in almost three years, leading the Chicago Bears to a 27-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. FIFA has accused European football chiefs of harassment against Gianni Infantino, escalating the war of words over the FIFA president's re-election bid. Aston Villa have sacked manager Natalia Arroyo after a winless WSL start, while Brighton chairman Tony Bloom says the club are chasing a major trophy this season.
FIFA & World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino's confident cameo at the U20 World Cup suggests he is unfazed by the criticism from UEFA, even as the 2030 World Cup format debate intensifies. The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and 2030 could see the field expand again — here's how a 64-team World Cup would work. ESPN has ranked the top 50 USMNT players by club performance as the new World Cup cycle begins.
More Football News
Salisbury FC might be sixth-tier in England, but they're "bigger than many Premier League teams" in Kuwait, thanks to a unique relationship with the Gulf nation. While the world's top clubs release their new kits on a wave of marketing, ESPN highlights the best soccer kits of 2025-26 — the hidden gems you probably missed.